The Democratic Republic of Congo's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain on track despite the United States warning of a mandatory 21-day isolation period for the team before entering the country, amid a deadly Ebola outbreak.
US Warning on Ebola
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed to ESPN that the Congolese delegation must maintain a strict 'bubble' at their Belgian training camp, or risk being denied entry. 'We've been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11,' Giuliani stated. 'We've made it very clear to the Congo government as well that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We cannot be any clearer.'
Team Preparations Unchanged
The Congolese team is set to be based in Houston for Group K matches against Portugal (17 June), Colombia (23 June, in Mexico), and Uzbekistan (27 June, in Atlanta). A team spokesperson said there has been no change to their schedule, which includes friendlies against Denmark (3 June) and Chile (9 June). 'No player in the squad has come from DR Congo,' the official explained, noting that the entire squad and coach are based outside the DRC, mostly in Europe. A planned celebratory send-off trip to Kinshasa has been cancelled.
Ebola Outbreak Status
The World Health Organisation raised the risk of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola to 'very high,' declaring the outbreak in the DRC and neighbouring Uganda an emergency of international concern. Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been recorded. The US warning aims to prevent any potential spread of the virus during the World Cup.
